What is the role of a literary theme?

The role of a literary theme is to present a universal idea or message that is conveyed through a literary work. Themes often explore fundamental aspects of human experience, such as love, conflict, identity, or morality, and offer insights that resonate with readers across different contexts and cultures. By identifying and analyzing the theme, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the text's meaning and the author's intent.

While an outline of the plot aids in understanding the sequence of events, it does not encompass the broader implications of what those events signify. Similarly, character development is an important aspect of a story, but it is a tool through which themes are often expressed rather than the theme itself. Minor details may serve to enrich the narrative but usually do not encapsulate the overarching message or idea that defines the theme. Thus, the identification of a theme is key to unlocking the deeper significance of a literary piece.